World Community Development conference to inject $1.7m in NT economy

Darwin will host the 2023 World Community Development conference ‘From the Edge’ to bring global practitioners, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders from over 20 countries.

They will come together in Darwin to share learning and discuss ideas and solutions for community development and community work.

The conference will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre and will run from 20-22 June 2023.

“Events like the World Community Development Conference are extremely important to the Northern Territory economy and tourism industry,” Northern Territory minister for tourism and hospitality Nicole Mansion said.

“This international conference will be staged at the world-class Darwin Convention Centre and is expected to attract over 500 delegates, generating $1.7 million in delegate expenditure for the Territory economy.”

Themes of ‘Community, Connection, Culture’ will be the focus of the event and an emphasis on First Nations practices of working with communities.

The conference program will be filled with high-profile keynote presentations, panel debates, enriching workshops and field visits to community development projects in the region.

Darwin Convention Centre general manager, Peter Savoff said: “Our world-class venue is perfectly positioned within the lush tropical setting of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct where delegates can enjoy space to think, opportunities to learn, network and make truly authentic connections that will support the global work of community development.”

Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison added: “Tourism Australia is excited to be supporting the World Community Development Conference 2023 through the Business Events Bid Fund Program.

“Attracting events, like the World Community Development Conference, is helping to generate global attention for Australia’s world-class business events offering whilst also delivering short and long terms benefits to our tourism industry and economy more broadly.”